Vanquis Gold - What's the point?

StuntmanBob

I've just been "upgraded" to Vanquis Gold. A question for other Vanquis gold customers... what's the point?

I like my unobtrusive non-gold card and as far as I can see the "upgrade" just gives me another phone number to contact them. Since I've never ever phoned them, I don't need this.

Apparently my APR and credit limit stay the same. So I really can see no difference or benefit. Am I missing something?

Has anyone declined this upgrade?

Thanks.

BugsyBrowne

Its probably an incentive to make Vanquis customers feel that little bit more special but continue to charge them an arm & leg if not paid in full.

Its basically no different then putting a lacoste crocodile on a primarni jumper it may say lacoste but underneath its just sh*t.

StuntmanBob

"probably" therefore you don't know what you're talking about so why waste both of our time by replying?

analyst_2

(puts on super-fast shoes to dodge the bullets)

Now that's what I call a sharp rebuke 73
(is there such a CD on release?)

StuntmanBob, its called a discussion board.If you really want help, its probably best not to swat the contributors down like flies.


OK, OK, now I realise I too am wasting both our time by replying

TheGenerus1

The harsh reality is that Bugsy reply to you was in fact quite correct imho.

You get to gold status once you reach a certain credit limit (£1250) I think it was.

The only advantage is the freephone numbers from landlines and mobiles as well as not having to wait as long for an adviser to answer your phone call.

THATS IT.

It's just their way of making you feel extra special without financially gifting you in anyway, if anything expect your APR to rise because of this new status as many people have reported after reaching "gold status".

BTW, you cannot decline this upgrade, it's automatic, you will just be sent a new shiny gold card when your card expires, which is why there are no other substantial upgrade benefits gained because it's not really an upgrade as such.

Bravehearted_2

I think vanquis need to choose another element to call this upgrade cos there's nothing gold about a free number.

Bet their standard card holders can get that on saynoto0870!

izools

Yes the 0800 number is on say no to 0870.

There is no difference in being upgraded to gold, it isn't an upgrade, it's just a different colour card, which as you say makes long standing customers feel more special.

It's to tempt those who have a proven track record with the lender in to spending more money so as to not be able to clear their bill in full at the end of the month and be trapped by the crazy amounts of interest these people charge.

My OH had a Vanquis card back along and shortly after being "Upgraded" to gold, had his APR increased to a gargantuan 69.9% APR, which they refused to reduce when he asked that the account be closed as permitted.

Had to take it to the FOS in the end who ordered Vanquis to put the APR back and close the account to new spending.

_Andy_

StuntmanBob wrote: »

"probably" therefore you don't know what you're talking about so why waste both of our time by replying?

Wow, what a charmer.

StuntmanBob

TheGenerus1 wrote: »

The only advantage is the freephone numbers from landlines and mobiles as well as not having to wait as long for an adviser to answer your phone call.

THATS IT.

BTW, you cannot decline this upgrade, it's automatic

Bravehearted wrote: »

I think vanquis need to choose another element to call this upgrade cos there's nothing gold about a free number.

izools wrote: »

There is no difference in being upgraded to gold, it isn't an upgrade, it's just a different colour card, which as you say makes long standing customers feel more special.

My OH had a Vanquis card back along and shortly after being "Upgraded" to gold, had his APR increased to a gargantuan 69.9% APR, which they refused to reduce when he asked that the account be closed as permitted.

Had to take it to the FOS in the end who ordered Vanquis to put the APR back and close the account to new spending.

Thank you all three above for the very useful replies. That was just the information I was looking for :beer:

But how horrendous is the hike to 69.9% ?! I'll keep an eye out in case that's one of the fabulous gold privileges I receive!!

Thanks again.